Let’s face it – rain has a magical way of coming at the wrong time, and when you’re vacationing on a tropical island, you’re probably hoping that the rain will stay away for the duration of your vacation. Rain makes the beach a little less safe and enjoyable, the hikes a little more muddy and slippery, and you can’t catch a tan or go ziplining when it’s pouring down. We get it! Don’t worry, though, because we have created a list of special activities you can enjoy when the rain takes over.
Maui is full of stunning beaches, scenic valleys, and outdoor activities – however, if it rains, there are still plenty of activities to enjoy when you can’t go sunbathing and snorkeling.
Here are some rainy day activities to enjoy while you’re in Maui:
Dine at a Restaurant
If we could eat a picture, we would eat this one. Of course, when the rain hits, you can head to the nearest dine-in restaurant and taste the flavors of the island. Leoda’s Kitchen and Pie Shop is an incredible dessert shop that will leave you reeling from sweet goodness. Monkey bread, waffles, and chocolate pies – oh my! If you aren’t in the mood for something sweet, Sale Pepe is a delicious Italian restaurant full of fresh island ingredients. Order a pizza or eat your weight in lasagna, this restaurant has the coziest atmosphere and will definitely make your list on best eats of Maui.
Hit the Spa
Treat yourself and have an ultimate self-care day at any spa facility in Maui! Spas are perfect for relaxation when the stress of the clouds comes raining down on your parade. The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Kapalua is an incredible location for hydrofacials, massages, and salon services. Bathe by candlelight or hop on a massage table, this spa is a 5-star experience. Spa Montage Kapalua Bay is another one in the area that just cannot be missed. When it’s not raining, they have pools with views of palm trees and the ocean. When it is, however, there are still inside pool options with the sound of a running waterfall. Get wrapped up in a Hawaiian Cocoon or feel a Bamboo and Ginger Body Polish take over your body. A definite yes.
Enjoy Tasting Rooms & Distilleries
Warm yourself up by a sip or two at a distillery and tasting room. Maui has a few distilleries and a winery that make for great options for staying inside. The Haliimaile Distillery Tour and Tasting Room has whiskey, rum, gin, vodka – you name it. Schedule your tour and grab some merchandise on the way out. Not only is there the Haliimaile Distillery Tour, but the Ocean Vodka Organic Farm and Distillery is a great tour to go on (more when it’s not raining so you can see the stunning agricultural farm.)
Head to the Maui Ocean Center
The Aquarium of Hawaii, the Maui Ocean Center is a dream to see some of the most incredible marine life in Maui. Walk along the hallways and take in the tropical fish and sea life without getting wet at all! The aquarium is also fun, in general, if you don’t like getting in the ocean but you still want to see sea creatures. Buy your tickets online, soak up the Hawaiian culture, and learn about the waters!
Take the Atlantis Submarine Tour
Head down unda’ with Atlantis Submarines Maui. If you’re still wanting to see all of the marine life that Maui has to offer in the rain, Atlantis Submarines can still take you down in the waters without getting you all soaked from the weather. A wonderful alternative to scuba diving and snorkeling when the rain gets in the way, but also if diving down yourself isn’t your thing. If the waves are too strong and dangerous, the visibility will be highly unlikely and you should refrain from hopping down in the water.
Shop ‘Til You Drop
It’s raining, so why not do a little shopping? Hop around from store to store and take a little piece of the island with you on the way home. The Shops at Wailea has more than 70 shops to offer, as well as dining options! With shops like Gucci and Tommy Bahama, you’ll have plenty to choose from. Not in that area? Check out Whalers Village located in Lahaina. This is another shopping mall with several stores to choose from as well, such as; Hawaii Jewelers, Keani Hawaii, and more!
Perouse Around an Art Gallery
Besides shopping for art, looking at the art that is inspired by the islands can be a wonderfully fun activity. Enchantress Gallery by Bootzie is filled with bronze sculptures, glass art, and colorfully inspired paintings. In the mood for more glass art? Head to Makai Glass Maui where you can see the glass art being blown. A true experience for an avid art lover. Glass not your thing? Schaefer International Gallery is considered to be one of the grandest galleries in Hawaii. If you find something you like, definitely buy and support the local artists that the island boasts.
Educate Yourself at a Museum
You can never go wrong with a good old-fashioned museum. There are many museums to take a look at if you wanted to gain some knowledge about history and culture. Check out the Wo Hing Museum and learn about the earliest Chinese travelers to arrive to Maui on ships! Interested in learning about the heritage of Lahaina? Go to the Lahaina Heritage Museum in the Old Lahaina Courthouse. There’s also the Camp Maui Museum, which takes place on a World War II landmark.
Paint Away at Island Art Party
Sip on a little wine while you paint your feelings. No, really. If you’ve got a group with you, Island Art Party is the ultimate rainy day activity. Sit around with your brushes and paints as you all try to recreate a painting together. Order a drink and sit down because you’ll be laughing and having a blast at this indoor facility for a while.
So, don’t let the rain get you down on your Maui vacation. Even when the clouds of your tropical paradise are crying, there are still too many activities to choose from. Get your shopping on and indulge in some self-care. You won’t regret doing any of these rainy day activities.
